Food Bloggers Bake a Difference for Kids Fighting Cancer

In September, our dedicated friends at OXO kicked off their annual Cookies for Kids’ Cancer fundraising efforts with the #OXOGoodCookies campaign to promote specially marked OXO baking products at retailers.

Partnering with over 100 bloggers, OXO donated $100 for every #OXOGoodCookies blog post, and over109 bloggers participated, sharing their cookie recipes to help raise over $10,000 for childhood cancer research. In 2014, OXO will donate up to $100,000 to Cookies for Kids’ cancer through the sales of specially marked items, event matches and other fundraising efforts.

You can be an OXO Good Cookie too! Host an event to benefit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer between now and December 31, and OXO will match your event proceeds. Let these bloggers inspire you to bake a difference and get involved!

We are so grateful to all of the bloggers who participated to share the story of kids who need our help.

Founder and creator of Brownie Brittle and long-time supporter of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, Sheila G. Mains took a few moments to share her thoughts after Team Brownie Brittle and celebrity Jaime King co-hosted a CFKC bake sale in LA during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Sheila G and company, we are so grateful for your steadfast support!

My Favorite Bake Sale

It’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. If ever there were two words that should NEVER be in the same sentence together, they are “childhood” and “cancer.” And the fact that there is a month dedicated to the awareness of kids and cancer tells you just how far we still have to go. That’s why this blog is dedicated to our unrelenting commitment to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, founded by Gretchen and Larry Witt.

This month, Team Brownie Brittle and I were thrilled to roll up our sleeves to support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer with a bake sale in Los Angeles. And we weren’t alone. We were lucky enough to co-host the Bake Sale with celebrity Jaime King.

It was clear from the moment I met Jaime King that she felt a huge connection to this cause, even bringing her own toddler son (who is too cute for words) and husband along. Jaime had injured her leg recently while on set filming and was in such pain, but she didn’t let that stop her (in high heels no less – amazing) from giving everything she could to make this a successful event. She is a trooper!

We’re so grateful to have raised thousands of dollars thanks to the generosity of so many. And, yes, I must name those people!

Rachel Krupa, the Krupa Consulting team (Julia, Melissa, etc) and Adam Cohen — you consistently go above and beyond. I watched you giving your all this weekend and was reminded why we’re connected. You made the weekend a huge success. Adam — special thanks to you again as you are the one who first introduced me to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, and I’m eternally grateful for that.

And thanks to Jenna Helton and her boyfriend’s family who worked non-stop at this event. We needed the help and are extremely grateful.

Manouschka Guerrier (an outstanding chef) and her support team outdid themselves! These are students in the Careers in Culinary Arts Program (CCAP, headquartered at Colt’s Kitchen in Carson, CA). Not only were their hearts in the right place, but their cookies were phenomenal. So much dedication and deliciousness came out of this team!

And I must thank Gretchen and Larry Witt. Through the loss of your own dear son, Liam, you were put on a path to help save and extend the lives of thousands of children stricken with cancer. You’ve allowed mothers and fathers the opportunity to hold onto their dreams for their own children, keeping them healthier and giving them chances that weren’t possible only a few short years ago. You are angels among us along with Bella and Liam. Love Like Liam and Live Like Bella. And I am personally grateful to be able to create this legacy for my stepson Scott who lost his battle with a latent form of pediatric cancer in 2012. Gretchen, you and Larry are the heart and soul of this organization, and we are thrilled to be your partners on this journey.

You can support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in a variety of ways, from purchasing products on their site, hosting your own bake sales, attending a bake sale in your area, or by purchasing our products. You will see in our newly redesigned packaging that we prominently display the Cookies for Kids’ Cancer logo on the backs of all of our bags. Our goal is to raise awareness and dollars with our $100,000 annual commitment to this amazing organization.

Need an excuse to update your favorite baking tools or add a few new ones to your collection? Let our Good Cookie friends at OXO be your inspiration! September marks the kickoff to OXO’s annual Good Cookie program. OXO has curated a collection of more than a dozen of its most popular items, which will not only simplify your baking but also raise funds to support childhood cancer research. Keep an eye out for the specially-marked items and feel good knowing the purchase of each will trigger a 25 cent donation to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

From September 1 through December 31, OXO will give up to $100,000 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer through event matches, product sales, and other fundraising efforts. REGISTER an event today and take advantage of OXO’s matching gift opportunity!

A special guest post by Denny’s franchise owners Tina & Glenn Beattie

This June, select Denny’s restaurants in 13 different states will be raising funds for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. This is the fourth year in a row Denny’s has joined us in the fight against childhood cancer, and the annual campaign is expanding each year. It all began in 2011 when two franchise owners, Tina and Glenn Beattie, came across Cookies in a magazine article and decided they wanted to help make a difference. In a special guest post, they share their experience on what inspired them to get involved.

When we read about Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in a magazine, we were inspired by the positive approach they were taking to raise much needed funds for pediatric cancer research – such fun. Cookies and bake sales – who doesn’t love cookies! We ordered a bunch of cookies, and reached out to see how we could use our restaurants to help the cause.

In May 2011, our 28 Denny’s in Western and Central New York held month-long fundraisers for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. For each donation made, paper “cookies” were signed and hung on the walls of the diners. By the end of the month, tens of thousands of cookies lined every wall, window and door frame of our restaurants! Thanks to our guests we raised $75,000 in that first month! – a sum that through Cookies for Kids’ Cancer will help fund lifesaving research and treatments.

Over the years many of our Denny’s family have joined us and the number of restaurants joining us grows every year. Giving our guests a chance to learn about this incredible organization, the need for pediatric cancer research and to join us in supporting Cookies for Kids Cancer. As business owners, we are honored to partner with an amazing organization like Cookies for Kids’ Cancer and the spirit in which they are fighting pediatric cancer. As parents, we are inspired by Gretchen and Larry, and as neighbors, we are humbled by the overwhelming support of our guests who have also been touched by this cause.

One of our guests, the parent of a child with pediatric cancer, sent a letter that said coming into our restaurant with her child during our Cookies fundraiser made them both feel like they weren’t alone in the fight. And they are not. We look forward to continuing to do our part to uphold Liam’s legacy and make a difference in the lives of these brave young children.

Our company is proud to be a longtime supporter of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. We were deeply touched by Liam’s short but significant life and wanted to do what we could to help the fight against pediatric cancer. Little did we know how enthusiastically our customers would respond and what an impact we could have.

The season of love is here! To celebrate, our friends at Bormioli Rocco are sharing love notes they’ve written for us throughout the month of February. Let their sweet words inspire you to share the love!

Friday, February 7:

Patrick, VP of Sales at Bormioli Rocco:

“Our organization gives because I believe all of us have a decision to make when you see unfair situations like the under-funding of pediatric cancer research… you either look on in empathy or you get off the sidelines and take action. We choose to join the fight. Supporting Cookies for Kids Cancer is a simple and fun way to make a difference.

Cookies for Kids Cancer brings family, friends, communities and co-workers together for a common cause. Bake sales are a simple act, but every sale matters with Cookies… every single dollar raised goes directly to find cures for pediatric cancer. You see the impact of every cookie you bake… every cookie makes a difference! Shine like a Star this February… join us in the fight.”

Don’t forget – Bormioli Rocco is matching funds raised at events hosted this month! Register to host a bake sale in your area today, and remember to select Bormioli Rocco as your inspiration so your funds will be matched! Register your February event TODAY.

Wednesday, February 12:

Mike, a member of the Bormioli Rocco Sales Team.

“In 2011 my wife, Mary, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 32. Just one year removed from the birth of our first and only child – it hit us like a ton of bricks and challenged what was supposed to be the happiest time in our lives. In spite of her health, Mary’s resilience, strength and dedication to our son and family were truly inspiring. I am forever in awe of her toughness and positive outlook both then and now.

We, like many others, have been be affected by cancer. We’ve seen firsthand how it affects the lives of a patient, their loved ones, and everyone around them. To fully understand the impact of cancer and to think of how that affects a child and their family is heartbreaking. Thankfully for us, Breast Cancer is one of the most talked about, heavily funded, and most recognized forms of cancer in the world. As a result, Mary is on a path to being cured. Yet there are countless forms of cancer that are under-researched, rarely discussed, and underfunded. Pediatric Cancer is among them.

Gretchen’s vision of bringing forward such a serious topic via a fun and energetic charity is ingenious. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is providing families impacted by pediatric cancer the same positive result that my family is blessed with. I commend the team at Cookies for all of their efforts and what they have done to raise funding and awareness of this horrible disease. I am proud to work for Bormioli Rocco – a company that stands side by side, joined in the fight with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.”

Monday, February 17:

Kate, a member of the Bormioli Sales Team:

Every day, we are inspired in our fight alongside Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Kate from our Sales Team shares why @Cookies for Kids Cancer is very close to her heart and why she supports this worthy cause.

“My little cousin Dylan was nine years old when he was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. I remember thinking how unfair that a child like Dylan, so gentle, genuine, hopeful, and trusting by nature would have to deal with such a cruel and relentless disease. I remember thinking about his family, and how impossible it must be to watch your child, your brother, suffer unimaginable pain, feeling so many times like all you can do is watch. The agony of being on the sidelines while someone you love faces hardship is something that everyone can relate to, but so few have solutions for.

I was profoundly touched when I found out that Bormioli Rocco would partnering with Cookies for Kids Cancer. Hearing the story of how Cookies started, and what Gretchen is doing in her son Liam’s memory really spoke to that feeling of “being sidelined” that I experienced when my cousin was sick. What this organization does speaks to an important fact: even though you may feel that you can’t do anything, that is the opposite of the truth. Every hug, every prayer, every dollar, and every cookie makes a difference.

Dylan became a cancer Survivor in July 2011 after nine months battling the disease. My hope is that through Bormioli Rocco’s support of Cookies for Kids Cancer, we will see many more grants that are on the sidelines get the funding they need to move forward, so that many more children will win their fight, too.”

Please register to host a bake sale in your area and remember to select Bormioli Rocco as your inspiration: http://bit.ly/1b5CS6F

Friday, February 21:

Lisa with the Bormioli Sales Team shares why she supports Cookies for Kids’ Cancer:

“What I love most about supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is the direct impact and tangible results that our donations have on pediatric research. The folks at Cookies for Kids’ Cancer are great about keeping supporters informed on where the money is being spent and breakthroughs that have happened as a result.

In December, we learned of an exciting breakthrough in Leukemia treatment by Dr. Stephan Grupp and the team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, made possible in part by funds raised by Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. It’s great to know you’re helping create a better future for children affected by pediatric cancer.” To read about Dr. Grupps research, please click: http://bit.ly/19Vxc46.

Monday, February 24:

Laurie with the Bormioli Communications Team:

“I first heard about Cookies for Kids’ Cancer four years ago, which is when I met the founders Gretchen and Larry and their family. I was so inspired by their ability to take their experience with pediatric cancer and create such an accessible way for anyone to become involved and help.

When I learned that childhood cancer research receives the least amount of funding, and yet is the number one disease killer of children, I was flabbergasted. How could that be possible? Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is changing the way we not only talk about childhood cancer, but it’s helping families and communities not to feel so helpless. Baking cookies is fun. Hosting a bake sale is fun.

When each dollar raised can be donated to help fund safe treatments for kids, that makes this challenge a little easier while also making it better for all children and their families in this fight.”

Please get involved by registering to host a bake sale. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer will help you each step of the way: http://bit.ly/1b5CS6F. Please remember to select Bormioli Rocco as your inspiration to bake.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, our friends at Bormioli Rocco, craftsmen of the finest Italian glassware and stemware products, are back for the 2nd year in a row to support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. And they’re working hard to inspire everyone to “Shine like a Star” this February.

3 Sweet Reasons to Get Involved in February:

As part of their commitment to give $50,000 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in 2014, Bormioli Rocco will MATCH the funds you raise in February up to $25,000! So, if you’ve been thinking of hosting a Cookies for Kids’ Cancer bake sale or other event, NOW is the time. Simply select Bormioli Rocco as your inspiration when you register, and you will automatically double the funds you raise!

The FIRST 50 people tosign up to host a February event will receive a complimentary set of Bormioli Rocco glasses and a matching carafe, perfect for sharing cookies and milk with loved ones. You could also use the set as a raffle prize to raise additional funds at your February event. They will go quickly, so don’t wait!

You could win a special cookie baking set, complete with a 9-piece nesting bowls set to mix dough, colorful Fido and Giara Jars to store and package ingredients, Giara bottles and an Ypsilon carafe for serving milk, and a dozen Palatina Glasses for dunking cookies. Simply CLICK HERE to enter to win the chance to make your cabinets sparkle with stunning new glassware.

Remember to share photos and event details with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tag Cookies for Kids’ Cancer and use the hashtag #ShineLikeaStar when you can. We’ll help you spread the word, and it’s a great way to inspire others to join the fight as well!

This past September, in honor of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, our friends at OXO kicked off their annual Cookies for Kids’ Cancer campaign in a sweet way. To launch their $100,000 event match, (Sign up to host a bake sale today!) They asked a few food blogger friends to create confections (cookies, brownies or cupcakes) and share their recipes online.

OXO donated $100 for every #OXOGoodCookie, #OXOGoodBrownie and #OXOGoodCupcake recipe shared. The response was amazing – More than 80 bloggers rose to the occasion, helping OXO raise over $8,000 for childhood cancer research through this effort alone!

We want to thank the bloggers who participated, both for their support and for the delicious treats they shared. Take a look at the #OXOGoodCookies, #OXOGoodCupcakes and #OXOGoodBrownies below, then be inspired to start making a difference and get involved today!

Glad has returned with their annual match to inspire you to get in the spirit and make a difference this holiday season. NOW through December, Glad will match ALL funds raised at bake sales and other events, up to $25,000, giving you the opportunity to automatically double the amount you raise for childhood cancer research!

And this year, there’s a special opportunity to help us meet the full match amount. Each month, Glad encourages their consumers to participate in a social media challenge to promote eliminating food waste, and they’ve dedicated December’s “Save It Sunday” challenge to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

To help us meet the $25,000 match, simply share your favorite baked treat online, along with the hashtag, #SaveItSunday. Glad will donate $1 for every Twitter, Facebook or Instagram post, up to $5,000!

We’re asking YOU to rise to the occasion and host a holiday bake sale or event AND to share your favorite treats on social media with the hashtag #SaveItSunday. Events come in all shapes and sizes, from collecting change at school to bake sales and cookie exchanges, and even 5Ks. No event is too small to make a difference, and if we all do a little, it adds up to a lot.

Find and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram, and be sure to tag us in your #SaveItSunday posts! To tag us, simply include the @ symbol before our user name. Note: To hashtag, insert the # symbol in front of SaveItSunday, and make sure there are no spaces between words!

The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap is an annual event that brings together food bloggers from around the world in celebration of scrumptious treats, as well as to support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Organized by Love & Olive Oil and The Little Kitchen, the idea is simple – and the difference adds up. We’re thrilled to say that the food bloggers raised $14,000 for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer this year!

In honor of their efforts, and to inspire everyone to Be a Good Cookie™ during this season of giving, we’re sharing a how-to for hosting your own cookie exchange this December. If we all do a little, it truly adds up to a lot.

Here are simple steps to organizing your own cookie exchange:

Make a guest list of anyone you can ask to join. You may choose to host a get-together where guests physically exchange cookies, or you may choose to host it online and open it up to those further away. Or do both! Either way, we’re here to help – and can even set up a personal fundraising page for you.

Ask each person to make a small donation to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer when they sign up or RSVP. To keep things organized, we recommend directing guests to donate through a personal fundraising page on our website OR collecting checks/cash from participants and mailing funds in at once. How much you choose to ask is up to you.

Select cookie recipes and get baking! Decide how many cookies each participant should bake. If you’re hosting a get-together, tell everyone to bring their cookies with them. For virtual events, collect each participant’s name and address in a spreadsheet, select a swapper for each swappee, and give each of them the other’s information.

Swap the cookies!How you swap is up to you! Some choose to do traditional cookie swaps, where guests walk around a table, selecting one cookie per plate the first round, two from each the second round, and so on. You could also choose to swap recipes, make a game of it, or provide each participant with another’s name and address, and have them bake and send cookies to each other. If you need guidance or ideas, just ask!

Regardless of how or where you swap, you can do TWICE THE GOOD in December! Our corporate partners Glad, OXO and King Arthur Flour are ALL matching funds raised at Cookies for Kids’ Cancer events this month. Simply select one of them as your inspiration when you register your event, and you automatically DOUBLE your fundraising power!

Glad’s annual match is back to inspire you to get in the spirit of giving and make a difference this holiday season.

This December, Glad will match ALL funds raised at bake sales and other Good Cookie events, up to $25,000, giving you the opportunity to double your fundraising power!

Since 2009, Glad has supported Cookies for Kids’ Cancer and in our efforts to raise funds for research to find safer, more effective pediatric cancer treatments. They’ve helped inspire thousands of Good Cookies to host events, which have raised more than $1 million so far.

What started as a simple idea – for Good Cookies to use Glad products to organize and store their baked goods – has transformed into a nationwide movement to pay it forward, and to inspire people to do what they love to help fight pediatric cancer during this season of giving.

NOW is the time to get involved. We’re calling on you to rise to the occasion to make every cookie count this holiday season by taking advantage of Glad’s gift.

Remember, every dollar counts. Events come in all shapes and sizes, from collecting change at school to bake sales and cookie exchanges, and even 5Ks. No event is too small to make a difference, and if we all do a little, it adds up to a lot. Together, we CAN change the facts of childhood cancers forever.

If you’re looking for holiday event ideas or inspiration, simply email us at events@cookiesforkidscancer.org. We’re here to answer any questions you have, and can provide you with the tools and resources you need to ensure your event is a success!

SNEAK PEEK: Glad has something special up their sleeve for Good Cookies! Stayed tuned for a special announcement coming soon!